The Indian television industry has witnessed one of its most unexpected and talked-about crossovers as Microsoft co-founder and global philanthropist Bill Gates made a surprise cameo in the reboot of the iconic soap opera Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The brief appearance of one of the world’s most influential figures alongside one of India’s most beloved television characters has sparked a wave of astonishment and admiration across viewers and social media users alike.

Saudi Arabia has officially abolished the long-standing Kafala system, a major labour reform hailed as a landmark shift for millions of migrant workers across the Gulf region. The decision marks a new chapter in the kingdom’s ongoing transformation under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, an ambitious roadmap to modernize the economy, attract foreign investment, and improve the country’s global image. The Kafala system, which governed the relationship between empl

A Diwali celebration in New Jersey turned into an online controversy after a video of Indian students bursting fireworks on a public street drew criticism from social media users. The short clip, uploaded by 20-year-old Mukul Verma, showed a group of young people celebrating the festival of lights when local firefighters arrived and began spraying water on the fireworks. What was intended to be a joyful cultural celebration soon became a subject of heated online discussion over safety, legali

Japan made history on Tuesday as Sanae Takaichi was appointed the country’s first woman prime minister after a decisive vote in the lower house of parliament. Her elevation marks a groundbreaking moment in a nation where political and corporate leadership remains overwhelmingly male. Takaichi, a prominent conservative and known China hawk, secured 237 votes in the 465-member House of Representatives, crossing the majority threshold in the first round itself. She is expected to formally assu

Direct flights between Shanghai and New Delhi are set to resume from November 9 after a gap of nearly five years, marking a major step toward restoring travel and economic links between India and China. The airline operating the route has confirmed that ticket sales have already begun for the much-anticipated service, which is expected to benefit both business and leisure travelers. The decision follows a recent agreement between the two governments to normalize travel and trade connections, sig

Washington — U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated on Friday that India will no longer buy oil from Russia, asserting that the South Asian nation has already begun reducing its dependence on Moscow’s energy supplies. Speaking at the White House during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump said the move reflects a broader international effort to isolate Russia economically over its invasion of Ukraine. “India will not be buying oil from Russia,” Trump

India is once again at the center of global diplomatic attention after former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to halt Russian oil imports. The Indian government swiftly denied the statement, emphasizing that its energy decisions are made independently and based solely on national interest. This move highlights New Delhi’s determination to maintain strategic autonomy amid increasing international pressure. Over the past two years

Diwali 2025 Overview Diwali, also called Deepavali, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals across India and the Indian diaspora globally. In 2025, the main Lakshmi Puja (Diwali Day) falls on: Date: Monday, October 20, 2025 Diwali is observed over five days, starting from Dhanteras (Oct 18) and ending with Bhai Dooj (Oct 22). Amavasya Tithi (New Moon)

Thousands of Indian students studying in the United States are facing growing uncertainty over their post-graduation career prospects as new immigration policies and enforcement actions threaten the stability of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and H-1B visa systems. The OPT program has long served as a bridge for international students transitioning from study to work, but recent developments suggest that this once-reliable path may soon become more complex and costly. The anx

The Supreme Court of India has allowed the use of green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) during the Diwali season under strict regulations. The court’s decision permits their use between October 18 and 21, but only during specific time slots—between 6 am and 7 am, and from 8 pm to 10 pm on the day before Diwali and the day of the festival. The move is part of an effort to strike a balance between cultural celebrations and environmental protection amid growing co

Google has announced plans to establish its largest artificial intelligence (AI) hub outside the United States in Andhra Pradesh, marking one of the most ambitious technology investments in India to date. The project, valued at USD 15 billion, is set to unfold between 2026 and 2030, transforming the southern state into a major centre for AI research, innovation, and digital infrastructure. The initiative represents a significant step in Google’s long-term strategy to expand its global AI ca

India is on the verge of achieving another milestone in its growing sports journey, as the Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport has recommended Ahmedabad to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking the centenary edition of the event. This recommendation is not a coincidence but the result of India’s steady and strategic efforts over the past decade to become a global sporting hub. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has significantly strengthened its posi

Hours after United States President Donald Trump asserted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally assured him that New Delhi would soon halt the purchase of oil from Russia, the Indian government issued a carefully worded statement reiterating its independent energy policy. The clarification underscored India’s commitment to protecting its national interests and consumers amid global price volatility, without directly confirming or denying Trump’s remarks. In a s

Meta has unveiled a significant India-focused update for its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, introducing three major features tailored for local users: UPI Lite payment support, full Hindi language integration, and an AI voice inspired by Bollywood star Deepika Padukone. These enhancements aim to improve accessibility, boost engagement, and make the glasses more relatable to Indian consumers. As part of Meta’s broader localisation strategy, the update reflects a growing emphasis on cultural

Drew Struzan, the legendary illustrator whose movie posters helped define the visual identity of Hollywood blockbusters for over four decades, died on October 13, 2025, at the age of 78. The celebrated artist had been battling Alzheimer’s disease for several years. News of his passing was shared on his official Instagram account, where his family expressed gratitude to fans who had supported his work throughout his life. “It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that Drew S

At least 20 people lost their lives and several others were injured after a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire on Tuesday afternoon in Rajasthan. The tragic incident occurred on the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur highway when the vehicle, carrying 57 passengers, was engulfed in flames shortly after smoke was seen emerging from its rear section. According to local authorities, the bus had departed Jaisalmer around 3 p.m. and was en route to Jodhpur when the driver noti

India Post will resume all categories of international postal services to the United States beginning Wednesday, following the successful implementation of a new customs-compliant system that aligns with recent US import regulations. The Ministry of Communications confirmed the development, marking a major restoration of cross-border mail services that had been suspended since August 22 due to changes in the United States’ shipping policy. The temporary suspension came after the U

A 64-year-old Indian origin man who spent more than four decades in an American prison for a crime he did not commit has finally walked free, only to face a new ordeal — possible deportation to a country he barely remembers. Subramanyam “Subu” Vedam’s story, marked by injustice, endurance, and hope, has taken another painful turn just days after his long-awaited release. Vedam was freed from a Pennsylvania correctional facility after a court overturned his decades-old murder c

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma drew widespread attention when he arrived at an award function in Mumbai driving his brand-new Tesla Model Y, sparking a wave of excitement among fans and car enthusiasts across social media. The stylish entrance not only turned heads but also underscored Rohit’s growing affinity for cutting-edge electric vehicles, aligning perfectly with his polished and modern public image. Shortly after his arrival, a video clip of Rohit behind the wheel of t

India has announced the reopening of its diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, marking a significant step in restoring engagement with the Taliban-led government. The decision, revealed during a bilateral meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi on October 10, represents the first high-level diplomatic dialogue between the two nations since the Taliban took power in August 2021. India had shut